Asthma patients are considered refractory when they experience persistent symptoms, frequent asthma attacks or low lung function despite taking asthma medications. Some refractory asthma patients have to take oral steroids such as prednisone to manage their asthma. While patients with refractory asthma make up only a small number of asthmatics, their condition can require frequent healthcare visits and significant medical costs, reducing their quality of life. Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease that can lead to mild to severe symptoms. In most cases, you can control your asthma through avoiding triggers, daily medications and other treatment options.